Dog fouling

We welcome responsible dog owners within the Borough. Dogs and their walkers are some of our most regular visitors.

However, a small minority of dog owners do not take their responsibilities for their dog seriously. This means that some dog mess is not cleared up and a small number of dogs roam out of control. This annoys many people and can threaten wildlife. Our residents have told us that this is a real issue for them.

Enforcement

It is illegal to allow your dog, or any dog you are in control of, to foul on the footpath or any other land open to the Public. Dog fouling is a nuisance and can also be a danger, particularly to young children, as it can lead to serious illnesses such as Toxocariasis (round worm infection).

As of 16 October 2017, all Council parks and open spaces are controlled by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). These orders impose various restrictions to dog control and other activities in our parks and open spaces.

Failure to clean up after a dog in your charge will lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice, similar to a parking ticket, for £80, or prosecution, which may lead to a fine of £1,000 plus costs. It is not an acceptable defence to claim ignorance of the dog’s actions or that you did not carry means to dispose of the fouling at the time. Failure to give an authorised Officer your name and address on request in relation to dog fouling is an offence which may lead to a further fine of £1,000 plus costs.

Our Street Scene Enforcement Team and Parks and Open Spaces Team are only allowed to issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for dog fouling if one of the Officers witnesses the offence themselves. The Street Scene Enforcement Officers will regularly distribute responsible dog ownership leaflets whilst patrolling the Borough, and carry out targeted enforcement operations in areas affected by a dog fouling problem.

What we would ask of you

Report irresponsible dog owners to our Street Scene Enforcement Team. Please provide us with as much information as possible about the dog, dog owner, and the times and locations the owner regularly walks the dog

Be a responsible dog owner and carry disposable bags to ensure you can clean up after your dog, keep your dog under control at all times, keep your dog out of dog restricted areas, and do not allow the dog out alone